Learn how to save a life in two minutes

Pop quiz: You’re helping a family member or friend to replace a light fixture. Unknown to you, the DIY enthusiast you’re helping hasn’t turned off the main breaker. Suddenly, there’s a shower of sparks and the person with the screwdriver in their hand falls motionless in front of you. You can’t find a pulse! What do you do?

Find out in just a couple of minutes, this Friday at lunchtime in the ByWard Market. _ _ As part of National Paramedic Week 2015, Ottawa paramedics along with paramedics from ORNGE will be teaching the public what to do in the event of a cardiac emergency by offering a personalized two-minute lesson in basic Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) skills:

Friday, May 29 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ByWard Market – at William and York Streets

Aimed at those who have never taken formal CPR training, two-minute CPR is a new approach that teaches participants the basics, including calling 9-1-1, proper hand positioning and the optimal rate and depth of compressions. Participants are advised the training is not a certification course.

Paramedic staff will also be on hand to demonstrate the easy-to-use Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). The Ottawa Paramedic Service manages 900 city-owned AEDs, located in City libraries, recreation centres, arenas, pools, beaches, marked police cars, fire vehicles and OC Transpo security vehicles.

Serving an area of 2,796 square kilometres, Ottawa’s paramedics are the sole medically certified providers of out-of-hospital medical treatment in Ottawa. Paramedic communication officers answer 9-1-1 emergency calls 24/7 to quickly assist residents in need.

In 2014, the Ottawa Paramedic Service trained more than 13,000 people in first aid, CPR and AED including City staff. For more information on CPR and first-aid courses, visit ottawa.ca .